WASHINGTON, D.C. — Members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation expressed thankfulness for the quick action of law enforcement and that no one was seriously injured in the Saturday night shooting at the hotel where the annual Correspondents’ Dinner was being held with President Donald Trump in attendance.
“Grateful to hear @POTUS, cabinet members, and attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe following tonight’s incident,” U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito posted on X. “Thankful for the swift response of law enforcement and those who acted quickly to protect others.”
Grateful to hear @POTUS, cabinet members, and attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe following tonight’s incident. Thankful for the swift response of law enforcement and those who acted quickly to protect others.
— Shelley Moore Capito (@SenCapito) April 26, 2026
There were also posts on X from U.S. Senator Jim Justice and Rep. Carol Miller.
I want to thank our law enforcement for their quick action during the incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Incredibly grateful that @POTUS and everyone in attendance are safe.
I’m praying for a safe rest of the evening.
— Senator Jim Justice (@JimJustice_WV) April 26, 2026
A man later identified as Cole Allen, a teacher from California, was taken into custody. He allegedly fired a shotgun at a Secret Service agent working the checkpoint at the Washington Hilton. He was quickly tackled and taken into custody.
DC Police later said Allen was armed with other weapons.
I’m so glad to hear that @POTUS, Cabinet members, and all attendees at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner are safe following tonight’s incident. I am especially grateful for the swift response from law enforcement and those who stepped in to ensure everyone’s safety.
— Rep. Carol Miller (@RepCarolMiller) April 26, 2026
President Trump, who was rushed out of the ballroom when the gunshots were heard, said at a White House media briefing late Saturday night that the Secret Service agent was wearing a bulletproof vest and was going to be okay.
Trump told reporters he believed he was the target of the shooting. Trump has been targeted twice since 2024 in assassination attempts.
There were about 2,000 people at the annual dinner and most took cover under the tables where they were sitting when they heard the gunshots.